Street Signs: In the edition of Pros Say concerning a "Recession-Depression Hybrid" what does George Ball say we must do?

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Question: In the edition of Pros Say concerning a 'Recession-Depression Hybrid' what does George Ball say we must do?"

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Just how bad were holiday retail sales this year?

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The Call

Question: Just how bad were holiday retail sales this year?

Answer: Worst since 1970, at least

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In his Guest Blog post "My Top 10 Investment Themes for '09", why does Tony Crescenzi praise the art market?

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Question: In his Guest Blog post "My Top 10 Investment Themes for '09", why does Tony Crescenzi praise the art market?

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Photovoltaic Solar Power: Sun, Stone and Stimulus

I just finished reading a good article over in the MarketBeat section of the Wall Street Journal. If you have the time it is worth reading.

A number of strategists have put forth the theory that the beginning of a new presidential administration will spark a bit of a market rally, in part because it has happened in the past, and in part because of expectations for a stimulus package focused on infrastructure.

First Solar, a maker of solar panels and builder of solar power plants, is trading around $136, up 59% from its low in November, cutting its losses for the year to less than 50%. First Solar, a stock-market star in late 2007 and early 2008, is set to have another run in early 2009 because of gathering momentum, technicians say.

“The initial target would be the December 18 high around $149, about 13% from here,” said Ryan Detrick, senior technical strategist at Schaeffer’s Investment Research. “If it clears that first level, I wouldn’t be shocked at all if it goes up to the $180 level, its Nov. 14 high.”

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Market rally predictor Jack Hough jokes that he should have written what kind of book?

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Question: Market rally predictor Jack Hough jokes that he should have written what kind of book?

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Cosmopolite Journal: Sneak Peek at Energy 2009

Forbes has a good article looking ahead at energy in 2009.

A year ago the worry was that oil demand would outstrip supply. Today, the Saudis alone have more than 3.5 million bpd of spare production capacity.

Tailwinds will soon give alternative energy a boost in the form of the energy policies and subsidies from the incoming Barack Obamaadministration

Obama's energy plan calls for the "responsible domestic production of oil and natural gas." Translation: He'll focus on maximizing existing energy production on the Outer Continental Shelf, revise the Bush administration's 2007-12 drilling plan and reinstate the executive order banning offshore drilling.

Get some nice stock ideas while you are there.

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In Bob Pisani's blog post from yesterday afternoon, what did he call the "real X-factor for stocks"?

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Question: In Bob Pisani's blog post from yesterday afternoon, what did he call the "real X-factor for stocks"?

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